The community around Bay Ridge Gardens, where a 27-year-old man was shot and killed Tuesday evening, was coping with the aftermath of the violent act Wednesday after a five-year stretch since its last homicide.

It was the first homicide of the year in Annapolis city limits.

Kory Johnson, 27, was found suffering from gun wounds by Annapolis police outside his apartment in the community and died after being rushed to the hospital.

Police said Tuesday they believe Johnson was targeted, but did not know why. They had no further details as the investigation moved into its second day.

Drug trade and its associated brutality is not new in the community, with five murders in the last 12 years according to police records. The last homicide was in 2013 when a woman killed a child and later was found not criminally responsible for the act.

But the drug trade keeps the elderly and young trapped in their homes, afraid to venture out, residents say.

“I don’t go out. I am in the house and keep the kids in, too,” said Leslie Wells, a 19-year resident who was attending a Halloween trunk-and-treat at John Wesley United Methodist Church across Bay Ridge Avenue from her community Wednesday night.

Jen Rynda / Baltimore Sun Media Group

Rev. Jerry Colbert talks to a reporter from the Capital Gazette during the "Trunk or Treat" event at John Wesley United Methodist Church on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.

Rev. Jerry Colbert talks to a reporter from the Capital Gazette during the "Trunk or Treat" event at John Wesley United Methodist Church on Wednesday, October 31, 2018. (Jen Rynda / Baltimore Sun Media Group)

The Rev. Jerry Colbert has been pastor of John Wesley for 13 years and has seen the community struggle and has offered any help he can to residents of Bay Ridge Gardens, some of whom are members of his congregation.

“Seniors and the children are trapped,” he said as he and several others geared up to welcome children and families to the Halloween event. “It’s sad — they are afraid to come out.”

Some of the ideas he said have been discussed to help include a better security force and an open recreation area with benches so parents can keep an eye on their kids. He hopes a recent change in management might prove fruitful in engaging and helping make changes.

“It all starts with security. They aren’t there 24 hours, and the drug dealers know that if they are not present, say from 2 to 6 p.m., that is an opportunity,” Colbert said.

“It’s just crazy. But this is the first one in a long time,” said a 24-year Bay Ridge Gardens resident attending the Halloween event with her grandchildren. She declined to give her name.

Colbert said he thinks police activity has helped. “Chief (Scott) Baker is doing a good job. Police are out in the community more than before. And the drug dealers know somebody is watching.”

Johnson had a record; he served 18 months stemming from 2014 drug charges, but since his release has only been in court on traffic violations and ongoing paternity and child support issues.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the detectives at 410-260-3439. You can also call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP and submit an anonymous tip.

Surveillance video provided by Anne Arundel County Police shows a Ford F350 pickup truck backing into a 7-Eleven on Defense Highway in Crofton in an attempt to steal an ATM from the store.

Surveillance video provided by Anne Arundel County Police shows a Ford F350 pickup truck backing into a 7-Eleven on Defense Highway in Crofton in an attempt to steal an ATM from the store.

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Surveillance video provided by Anne Arundel County Police shows a Ford F350 pickup truck backing into a 7-Eleven on Defense Highway in Crofton in an attempt to steal an ATM from the store.

Surveillance video provided by Anne Arundel County Police shows a Ford F350 pickup truck backing into a 7-Eleven on Defense Highway in Crofton in an attempt to steal an ATM from the store.

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On Friday, December 07, 2018 at approximately 12:52 a.m., the Fugitive Apprehension Team assisted by the Baltimore Police Department located Dillon Augustyniak in the 2100 block of Ramsey Street, Baltimore, Maryland. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and has been charged for the murder of Steven Wilson with First Degree Murder, Armed Robbery, Theft $1500.00 to under $25,000.00 and Firearm use in a Felony Crime of Violence. The investigation revealed this was a random act of violence with the motive being robbery.

On Friday, December 07, 2018 at approximately 12:52 a.m., the Fugitive Apprehension Team assisted by the Baltimore Police Department located Dillon Augustyniak in the 2100 block of Ramsey Street, Baltimore, Maryland. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and has been charged for the murder of Steven Wilson with First Degree Murder, Armed Robbery, Theft $1500.00 to under $25,000.00 and Firearm use in a Felony Crime of Violence. The investigation revealed this was a random act of violence with the motive being robbery.

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D.C. Police release video showing "person of interest" in threats to CAIR the Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. CAIR said it is taking extra security precautions after seeing the video.

D.C. Police release video showing "person of interest" in threats to CAIR the Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. CAIR said it is taking extra security precautions after seeing the video.

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Anne Arundel County officials discuss a $550,000 grant awarded to law enforcement by Gov. Larry Hogan to combat gangs.

Anne Arundel County officials discuss a $550,000 grant awarded to law enforcement by Gov. Larry Hogan to combat gangs.